Mr Baggott said he was concerned that children as young as 10 were becoming involved in rioting.

He said many were out on the streets "without parental control" and were at risk of "blighting their own future".

"At a time when we are working desperately hard with the Tourist Board, investment agencies, foreign investors, to present the right picture of Northern Ireland as a place that's worthy of investment, many of those young people who may benefit from that will now have convictions," he said.

On Sunday night, a protest took place near the nationalist Short Strand area of Belfast. Later, as hundreds of protesters went up Castlereagh Street bricks, barriers and bottles were thrown at police.

Mr Baggott told a press conference on Monday: "I am concerned that senior members of the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) in east Belfast - as individuals - have been increasingly orchestrating some of this violence.

"That is utterly unacceptable and is being done for their own selfish motives. There is no excuse whatsoever for violence, as we've said, and we will be investigating that and taking the appropriate action."

Billy Hutchinson, leader of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) which has links with the UVF, said he intended to hold talks with the group.

"If this is the chief constable's assessment, then what I am saying to people in east Belfast, people belonging to the UVF, please desist from being involved in violence," he said.

"My understanding, having talked to the leadership, is that there are no splits and what I am saying is that the PUP and others will talk to the UVF in east Belfast in and around the problems that exist."

Meanwhile, a 38-year-old man who was arrested during more widespread trouble on Saturday has been charged with possession of a gun, riotous behaviour and refusing to remove a disguise.

He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrate's Court on Monday.

A 52-year-old man is also due before the same court, charged with disorderly behaviour in connection with the trouble in the city.

Injured

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The BBC's Chris Buckler speaks to members of the public in one of the areas affected by violence over the union flag.

A campaign of street protests have taken place since the Belfast City Council vote.

The BBC's Chris Buckler said most of the demonstrations had been peaceful. Community and political leaders met on Sunday to discuss how the trouble could be brought to an end.

Reverend Mervyn Gibson organised the meeting.

"People have been injured and a lot of properties have been damaged. We need to get it stopped as quickly as possible," Mr Gibson said.

"People are putting their minds to this, people are trying their best to see how do we do that.

"People are fearful and that's what we want to address, get back to some sort of normality here in east Belfast."

But one of those at the meeting, Democratic Unionist Party assembly member Robin Newton, said a lack of engagement from the protest organisers was making it difficult to see an end to the unrest.

Our correspondent added the political make-up of the council means the decision over the union flag would not be reversed and it is not even clear if councillors will discuss the issue when they gather on Monday night.

Some 62 officers have been injured since the protests began.

Areas which have been recently hit by violence in the City Hall flag row

Norman Elder, 51, was forced out of the centre in 2008 after photos emerged on social media of a girl stroking a tiger. A judge ruled in his favour over the USPCA and a hearing later this year will decide the level of damages.

15:37:Schools Cup semi-final:BBC Sport NI

Coleraine Academical Institution are facing RBAI in the Schools Cup semi-finals right now at Ravenhill. The score stands at 3-3 at half-time.

The Lurgan Mail reports that archaeologists are surveying a 4,000-year-old Neolithic henge in the middle of Aghagallon, County Armagh, to find out what lies beneath the historic site.

14:40:North coast beach snowBarra BestBBC News NI Weather Presenter

Snow dunes in Portrush on the north coast today. Photo by Alive Surf School.

14:33:New radio studio:BBC NI Travel

We used the new radio bulletins studio for the first time today at 14:00! This is where travel bulletins (along with the normal news, sport and weather) will come from when we're not at the traffic control centre.

A former maths teacher who once ran for Belfast City Council has pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. Peter Prendiville from Craigdarragh Park in Holywood, was ordered by the judge at Downpatrick Crown Court to sign the sex offenders register.

The Football Association plans to enter men's and women's Great Britain teams for the 2016 Olympics. A GB team featured in the 2012 Olympics, but the Irish, Welsh and Scottish FA didn't give their official backing.

13:43:Drugs seized in searches:

Cannabis plants worth estimated street value of £15,000 were seized by police yesterday after searches in Craigavon and Portadown.

Police say three men, aged 22, 28 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of a number of drugs offences. The 22 and 28-year-old have been released on bail.

13:31:Lord mayor expecting:Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph reports that the Lord Mayor of Belfast Nichola Mallon (left) is expecting her first child this summer.

13:21:Temperatures rising:Cecilia DalyBBC News NI Weather Presenter

It may not seem like it today, but it is going to get milder later this week! Temperatures rising from tomorrow and getting up to highs of 13 degrees Celcius by the weekend.

13:12:Unionist 'cold house':

Unionists on the new Mid Ulster council say they're demanding a call-in about a number of decisions made at last week's council meeting.

They said decisions including banning the sale of poppies and Irish-first branding on logos, vehicles and buildings were an attempt by nationalists to create a "cold house for unionists".

13:03:First woman editor:Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph says it has appointed a new editor - Gail Walker. She is the first woman to edit the newspaper and replaces Mike Gilson, who left in January.

12:54:Interface interviews:

BBC News NI's Mark Simpson conducting interviews at the Belfast Interface Project on the upcoming The Big Lunch event (thanks to Grainne McCloskey for the picture).

12:40:Bin collections off:Derry Journal

The Derry Journal reports that bin collections across Londonderry have been cancelled today because of hazardous road conditions.

12:38:Paulie is 'Ireland's sexiest':BBC Sport NI

Some rugby news you might have missed over the last week - Ireland captain Paul O'Connell was voted Ireland's sexiest rugby player.

BBC Sport NI's Thomas Niblock asked him how he felt about winning the prestigious award.

An economic report for the Executive says there is not a strong enough case for abolishing a £13 tax on the majority of flights out of Northern Ireland.

Removing air passenger duty (APD) is seen by airports and airlines as key to attracting new routes and growing tourism.

12:21:Pup's first snow:

It's always exciting seeing the first sprinkles of snow, but it's easy to get fed up with it once the cold sets in though. Desmond Loughery sent in this snap of his pup Mavis experiencing the white stuff for the very first time!

The result of Ireland's Cricket World Cup pool game against South Africa has not been in doubt but a great effort from Ireland brought the underdogs from a dodgy 48 for five at one point to a final tally of 210 all out in the 46th over.

South Africa had set a massive target of 412.

11:00:North coast brew:Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Portrush is getting its first brewery in three decades.

The former Special Branch agent handlers were questioned in October about allegations made by former UVF commander and police informer, Gary Haggarty. He agreed to become a supergrass more than five years ago.

10:44:Foyle traffic moving:BBC NI Travel

Conditions at Glenshane and Coleraine Mountain are good, but further snow flurries are affecting these routes. In Derry, a collision on the Caw Roundabout was a major contributor to delays on the Foyle Bridge earlier, but things are now moving well again.

The weather outside might be frightful up in the north west today, but it's making for some great photos! Thanks to Ciara Shaw (top) and Ramada Portrush for these scenic sunrises in Derry and Portrush.

Stevan Patterson sent in this photo of a van stuck in a ditch this morning on the main Castlederg to Drumquin Road.

10:12:Flight delays:City of Derry Airport

Adverse weather conditions are causing minor delays at the airport this morning. You can check the latest flight information at @coderryairport.

10:05:SF 'supporting Newry's wishes':

Sinn Féin says its Newry councillors rejected proposals to reconsider calling a play park after IRA man Raymond McCreesh last night because people in the area want to keep the name.

Conor Murphy told the Nolan Show: "We're supporting the democratic wishes of the area, which overwhelmingly wants to retain the name."

09:56:Derry fleet expansion:Clodagh RiceBBC News NI

Londonderry firm Airporter is expanding its fleet, buying six new coaches in an investment worth almost £500,000.

They operate a transfer service between Derry and the two Belfast airports and carry more than 100,000 passengers every year.

09:46:Frozen paws:

Angela Cunning in County Antrim sends in this wonderful photo of her dog out in the big freeze that's gripping northern and western areas of Northern Ireland this morning.

09:40:Third prison escape arrest:

A man in his 30s has been arrested at Portlaoise prison in connection with the escape of another prisoner, Derek Brockwell, at Tallaght Hospital in February. A couple in their 60s were arrested earlier this morning in County Meath.

All ferry sailings between Rathlin and Ballycastle are cancelled today because of the difficult weather conditions.

09:07:Ploughs out:BBC Radio Foyle

Our brave reporter Joe Doran is tackling the Glenshane Pass this morning and the snow ploughs are out! Keep checking @BBCNITravel for the latest roads information.

08:57:White stuff:Jayne McCormackBBC News NI

Paul McLaughlin emailed in this great snap of Sion Mills this morning. It looks pretty nice when you don't have to go outside in it!

08:47:Silence of the supergrass:BBC Spotlight

Tonight on BBC One NI at 22:40, Vincent Kearney investigates why UVF leader and special branch informer Gary Haggarty hasn't testified against anyone, five years after he became a supergrass.

08:37:Slow traffic:Trafficwatch NI

Traffic on the M1 is slow from Lisburn through to Broadway, and the M2 from Templepatrick into Belfast is also busy.

08:36:Hard day at the wicket:

The gulf in class is showing in Canberra as Ireland continue to be punished by South Africa in their Cricket World Cup pool match.

It's 48 for five after 11 overs.

08:26:Digital economy:Clodagh RiceBBC News NI

I'm at a CBI-run event in Belfast finding out more about the digital economy and what role it can play for businesses. I'll have more on Good Morning Ulster just after 08:45.

08:14:School closures:

Lots of schools in Counties Londonderry and Tyrone have contacted us to say they're closed today because of snow and icy conditions. The list is being constantly updated so keep checking the BBC News NI website.

08:09:Foyle Bridge 'treacherous':

Donna Gallagher has tweeted us to say she's stuck on the Foyle Bridge, where conditions are treacherous. She says traffic can't get through the last bit at the Waterside end.

BBC Test Match Special's John Kenny says: "It's looking very, very ominous. We could have an early finish here." as Ireland struggle against South Africa in their Cricket World Cup pool match. Ireland are 25 for 3 and chasing 412.

08:02:Cottages centre a 'lifeline':BBC Radio Foyle

The health minster says it could take several months before a final decision is made on the future of a respite centre for disabled children in Londonderry. The Western Trust had previously indicated that the service might be cut.

Frank Gallagher, who looks after his teenage son, said the facility is a lifeline for parents.

07:53:Loyalist bands at SF conference:BBC Radio Foyle

A group representing loyalist bands are to take part in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis for the first time. The Londonderry Bands Forum will participate in an event at the party's conference on Saturday.

The forum is funded by the International Fund for Ireland. Its chairman Adrian Johnston said the move would improve "peace and reconciliation activity".

Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady and Drumahoe Primary School, Derry will be closed today due to snow. You can check the list of school closures on the BBC News NI website.

07:43:Rush hour:Trafficwatch NI

Traffic is busy on the M1 from Lisburn to Blacks Road, on the Westlink towards York Street and on the A2 Shore Road leaving from Carrickfergus.

07:41:Glenshane 'treacherous':BBC NI Travel

Some difficult conditions out there this morning because of ice and snow so please drive with extreme care. We've been told The A6 Glenshane Road is treacherous with snow between the Glenshane Pass and Claudy.

Is it cruel to showcase wild animals in the circus or is it all just part of the act? Councillors in Newtownabbey and Antrim tried to ban exotic animals from shows on council-owned land, but they have been defeated.

The motion was rejected at a council meeting last week. We'll be discussing this at 07:50.

The bid to discuss the park's name again failed after Sinn Féin councillors voted against it.

07:11:Hoping for a miracle:

South Africa leave Ireland hoping for a miracle in their Cricket World Cup pool match. Ireland have a target of 412 from their 50 overs.

07:07:Weather watch:Cecilia DalyBBC News NI Weather Presenter

A cold start again - the current temperatures and radar showing a snapshot of the snow showers that will affect mainly north and west areas. Take care out there and watch the BBC News NI weather forecast for the latest information.

BBC links

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